Reviews for Contour HD 1080p
Average Rating : 3.33 out of 5

ContourHD

I modified the "velcro" mount using magnets, to stick the camera to my helmet. The velcro was too loose, allowing the camera to shake in the wind.The camera will come loose from the magnets during a riser strike, but is anchored with the anchor wire, which I made cuttable should the worst happen. The anchor point or wire would probably break first though.

I've had the camera shut down if I don't push the button firmly to the front, as the wind speed can be enough to push the button back. Very annoying the time I filmed for money.High contrasts get pixellation at the edges, especially visible in 720p/60fps. The canopy lines look built from little 4-pixel white squares. I'd like to be able to change the compression to avoid this, as I want the highest video quality I can get.The camera has a problem with low light, if the light goes below a certain level it will adjust brightness downwards instead of upwards. This is usually not an issue during skydiving though, it only happened during last midsummer's midnight speedstar, after we passed a thin cloud layer. Makes the camera less useful for indoor stuff though.

The camera is very easy to use, without having to look at it. I like the alignment lasers and confirmation beeps.All in all a solid product in which a lot of thought has been put, but not without bugs. I'd like to try some of the newest offerings, to see how they compare in usage and image quality.

2 fails

I'm onto my second Contour 1080p now. The first one went back for return and I've had to do the same for the second. When it works it can be very tempermental and I have heard this from more than one person. The companies forum has quite a few similar complaints. It certainly seems to have software issues which let this camera down. Its a great shame as It has superior picture quality over the Go pro and a more slim line compact design.However until they can come up with a less buggy glitchy device I can't recommend it and certainly would not trust it to capture that one in a lifetime shot without a back up camera.

Great camera

Really great video from this thing. Looks far better than GoPro on many levels. Super easy to dial with the laser sight, and dead simple to operate. It's also really easy to configure the image settings with the included software.

Now the downside. The 2gb SD card is useless if you're capturing full HD. Does not get a day's worth. But I found a 16gb card for $20, so no problem there.

While I've had good luck with the mounts for paragliding and related activities, they're useless for skydiving or any activity where you're on the ground (biking, snowboarding, etc).

The Cam Clamp is the answer:http://www.xvusa.com/products.html

Now it's ultra-badass. :) I just got the helmet mount one with the lens kit, but will eventually get the ball to attach it to a harness mount.

Definitely worth buying over GoPro, if you want pro HD image quality on a budget.

great but be prepared to buy a third party mount or make your own

This is a neat little camera, and it's very easy to use. One button to turn it on, and a slide on the top to start/stop recording. That's all there is to it. The resolution and bit rate that it saves videos can also be adjusted.

However the factory mount is terrible. The mount will detach due to riser strikes or other mild impacts that it ought to survive, and your camera may end up in the woods. I've seen it happen several times. The upside: Hypoxic now sells a mount for this camera that is sturdy and can be permanently fixed to your helmet. I have one and have had no problems.

Fair toy for the buck

All in all, a fair toy for the buck. Mounted it on a NVertigo X. The original mount (adhesive+hard velcro) is somewhat shaky, so I had to bolt down the base(used the google mount base) and use 2 rubber bands running from buttom of the bolted base around the top of the camera. No visible vibration seen on footage. Beside the mounting, the only issues for me is the fact that you can't configure (adjust exposure, sharpness, etc.) the camera without a computer.

Not a bad product but be prepared to make a few mods

I've been jumping one of these for about 6 months or so now. The bads:I've had to modify the mount quite a few times. Factory mount broke on the first day. Modified the mount (first time) and it held great. LOTS of vibration though, especially when free-flying. Mount bracket just broke again on opening last weekend and I'm making my own modified mount now. DEFINITELY use a lanyard. Saved my camera 3 times now!Also the camera has no preview window.

The goods:Very easy to operate. Audible alarm and the cool "laser" beams lets you know the camera is on and recording. Great video quality!

All in all I think it's a good product. I'd like to see VholdR make a decent mount that didn't vibrate or rattle as much. If there was a way to add a preview window as well I'd give it 5 stars.